Disillusioned Holbeach United boss Seb Hayes admits that his long-term future at the club is under threat unless something drastic changes at Carter’s Park.
The Tigers chief unleashed a verbal volley on his side after Saturday’s shock 3-1 loss at Kirby Muxloe – and revealed that he’ll no longer play ‘Mr Nice Guy’ with his players.
This Saturday sees eighth-placed Holbeach host high-flying Eynesbury Rovers (3pm), with Hayes concerned that his team could be on the receiving end of a “hiding”.
The biggest gripe the well-respected former Peterborough Northern Star and Huntingdon Town chief has at the moment is the lack of fitness being shown by his charges.
He wants the players to spend more time in the gym or to go running in their own time, but accepts that the players have to want to go the extra mile.
Hayes said: “It’s hard to accept that other teams always outwork us.
“We just look unfit out on the pitch. We have the lads in for training, but there needs to be more done on their behalf.
“They need to be going to the gym or going out running. It’s just not good enough to turn up unfit.
“I’ve had enough of it now. Holbeach United is a big club and, for me, being eighth in the table just isn’t acceptable.
“I’ve already said that some of the lads look like they want the season to be over already. I want people here that are committed long-term. I’ve got a desire to lay down roots here and build something.
“But I’m realistic enough to know that I pick the team – and if things carry on as they are, I know I’ll probably be out of a job.
“There needs to be a massive change this Saturday. Eynesbury are a very strong side and, if we play like we did at Kirby Muxloe, they could give us a real hiding.”
Hayes could give a debut to new teenage signing Tiago Dias, who has joined the club on loan from St Ives Town.
But he’s wary of dropping him into the team when so many players are playing way below par.
Also in contention is powerful forward Charley Sanders, who has re-joined Holbeach from Yaxley.
The Tigers chief is also looking for a right back after Dan Jenkins suffered a season-ending knee injury one week after fellow full-back Jake Walton left the club.
